CHARLOTTE AMALIE — After a day-long Committee of the Whole hearing regarding matters concerning our territory’s hospitals, Majority Leader, Senator Marvin Blyden special ordered a measure to the floor that finalized the reorganization of the 33rd Legislature’s Majority Caucus.
The resolution was voted on favorably with nine senators in support of the measure and will be sent to Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. for his acknowledgment.
This resolution, Bill No.33-0089, solidified the election of officers, amended and reestablished standing committees, and elected chairs, vice-chairs and members of the standing committees.
“I am happy that we have been able to work collaboratively and truly finalize the makeup of the 33rd Legislature,” said Majority Leader Blyden. “Today’s bill was basically a housekeeping measure to firm up the committee chairs and members, and to formally amend our rules to reflect the changes in the committee structure. We will continue to move forward in the best interest of the people of the territory.”
The Majority Caucus will now include Senators Alicia Barnes, Marvin Blyden, Allison Lisa DeGazon, Novelle Francis, Jr., Myron Jackson, Javan James, Sr., Steven Payne, Sr., Janelle Sarauw, and Kurt Vialet.
Veteran Senator Francis has been chosen to sit at the helm of the 33rd Legislature as President with the most senior senator, Senator Jackson, selected as Vice-President. Senators Alicia V. Barnes and Marvin A. Blyden will continue to serve as the Body’s Secretary and Majority Leader, respectively.
The Majority Caucus will host a news conference at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 6 in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Chambers on St. Thomas to provide information to the public regarding the reorganization.
The officers of the 33rd Legislature are as follows:
- Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr. is elected President.
- Senator Myron D. Jackson is elected Vice-President.
- Senator Alicia V. Barnes is elected Secretary.
- Senator Marvin A. Blyden is elected Majority Leader.
- Senator Myron D. Jackson is elected Secretary for Intergovernmental and Territorial Affairs.
- Senator Allison L. DeGazon is elected Liaison to the United States Congress.
- Senator Alicia V. Barnes is elected Liaison to the United States Department of Interior, Office of Insular Affairs. Senator Janelle K. Sarauw is elected Liaison to the White House.
The 33rd Legislature’s standing committee chairs are as follows:
Committee on Rules and Judiciary Chair:
Senator Janelle K. Sarauw Vice-Chair: Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr.
Committee on Finance Chair: Senator Kurt A. Vialet Vice Chair: Senator Marvin A. Blyden
Committee on Government Operations, Consumer Affairs, Energy, Environment, and Planning Chair: Senator Alicia V. Barnes Vice-Chair: Senator Myron D. Jackson
Committee on Education and Workforce Development Chair: Senator Donna A. Frett-Gregory Vice-Chair: Senator Kurt A. Vialet
Committee on Health, Hospitals and Human Services Chair: Senator Oakland Benta Vice Chair: Senator Janelle K. Sarauw
Committee on Youth, Sports, Parks and Recreation Chair: Senator Javan E. James, Sr. Vice-Chair: Senator Steven D. Payne, Sr.
Committee on Economic Development, Regulations and Agriculture Chair: Senator Allison L. DeGazon Vice Chair: Senator Athneil “Bobby” Thomas
Committee on Homeland Security, Justice, Public Safety, and Veterans’ Affairs Chair: Senator Steven D. Payne, Sr. Vice-Chair: Senator Oakland Benta
Committee on Housing, Transportation, Infrastructure and Telecommunications Chair: Senator Marvin A. Blyden Vice-Chair: Senator Alicia V. Barnes
Committee on Culture, Historic Preservation, and Aging Chair: Senator Myron D. Jackson Vice-Chair: Senator Javan E. James, Sr.
Committee of the Whole Consists of ALL Members of the 33rd Legislature